During the ongoing Odisha Assembly winter session, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik assured that the state government will provide drinking water to every household by 2027.
Naik responded to concerns raised by members about delays in project execution. He emphasised that the department is aware of the challenges and will soon form a Mega Water Board Committee to accelerate work.
Criticism of Previous Government
Naik launched a sharp attack on the former BJD-led government, alleging corruption and mismanagement in drinking water projects. “Earlier, there were taps but no water; now there are taps and water,” he remarked.
He accused the previous administration of releasing 50–80% advance payments to contractors under the guise of material costs, without completing land acquisition, intake wells, or pipeline systems. “Pipes were purchased and laid, but no water was supplied,” Naik said, calling it a 24-year pattern of failure.
Allegations of Corruption
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous claimed that advance payments to 17 contractors led to corruption worth Rs 35,000 crore. She demanded a vigilance probe and strict action against those involved.
Similarly, BJP MLA Pratap Nayak demanded an investigation against former Panchayati Raj Minister Pradip Amat, alleging his involvement in the mega drinking water project scam.
Government’s Performance Figures
Naik contrasted the BJP government’s record with that of the BJD:
- By June 2024, BJD completed only 3 mega pipe water projects, while BJP finished 22 projects in 17 months.
- BJD executed 16 civil projects, while BJP completed 66.
- BJD finished 3,733 solar projects, while BJP completed 2,702 in 17 months.
- Under Har Ghar Jal, BJD completed 6,032 projects, while BJP finished 4,791.
- BJD installed 28,350 tube wells, while BJP dug 22,964.
- Under PM Gati Shakti, the BJP laid 71,000 km of pipeline across Odisha.
